Bremer Orca calf Gabriel was excited today with plenty of spy hop and breaching practice while Kidji and her family had also made a return to The Patch. The easterly breeze was back today as we made our way to the sighting grounds under a cloud cover which was set to disperse as the day went on and sun came out. Our first sighting was Kidji and her family as they manoeuvred through the hunting grounds with a suspicious looking oil slick lingering on the surface. It appeared a possible early morning hunt had taken place with dozens of birds casing the area amongst the slick and Kidji’s family returning back to the slick as we travelled with them. Continuing on to the west they approached who we firstly assumed was the other half of their family pod but instead the tiny shape of Gabriel burst through the swell towards our bow excitedly. Kidji and family continued on to the west as Cheryl and her pod came over to say hello and we were all thrilled to see Bremer Orca calf Gabriel again. The family was relaxed and while they travelled calmly little Gabriel was having a ball with plenty of spy hops, mini breaches and head lunges. It is always a fantastic sign to see calves so energetic and a great reflection that they are feeling good about themselves.
The family was also social as they swam with Gabriel and began to move in a circular pattern which can often indicate resting behaviour. Moving slowly members of the pod can rest one half of their brain at a time while the other half keeps an awareness of their surroundings and reminds them to breathe, this way of resting is known as unihemispheric sleep. It ensures the Orca always remains somewhat aware of their surroundings and vigilant, especially if there is prey nearby. Gabriel is a little different hoverer as is usually the case for newborn Orca and dolphins with the calves not sleeping for the first couple of weeks of life. Akama is needing to keep moving 24/7 to keep Gabriel in her slipstream and ensure a steady body temperature for her calf who currently has barely any blubber reserves for insulation. The constant movement maintains core body temperatures for Gabriel and also enables the little one to be towed along by mum in her slipstream known as echelon swimming. Akama may take a little time every so often to rest but at the moment her sleep deprivation is clear as her need to constantly keep moving for Gabriel is vital. Today while Akama moved slowly we watched on as Gabriel was bouncing around in high spirits, clearly the lack of sleep is not being noticed by the little one just yet! Over the coming weeks both mother and calf will start to rest more and more as the blubber layer and overall body mass of Gabriel increases improving thermoregulation for the new calf.
